Disclaimer: Power Rangers doesn't belong to me. The characters of Marie Fox and Cyndra don't belong to me, so please don't use them without permission.

Author's Notes: Actually, this is more of a warning than anything. There is mention of homosexuality in this, pertaining to one of the former Rangers. If you don't like, ignore the whole reunion section, or don't bother reading the story at all. Read if you like and review constructively please, but flames are used to toast marshmallows. ^_^

What Lies In The Heart

By: Jade Daniels

It was the aftermath of the Astro Rangers' battle against one of their own, Ashley Hammond, the Yellow Ranger. All was quiet aboard the Astro Megaship as the occupants went about their duties with a subdued air. Upon their shoulders was the knowledge that there was now not just one, but two evil Rangers fighting against them.

On the Simudeck, Carlos and TJ were sparring, an activity which normally would have helped relieved their stress. However, instead of achieving a balance in the fight, Carlos was continuously put on the defensive by TJ, who kept dealing out blows recklessly. It was as if the Blue Ranger wasn't even thinking about what he was doing, just striking out whenever the opportunity came up. When TJ's foot nearly came in contact with his head, Carlos finally called the fight to a stop.

"What's the matter with you?!?" he panted, glaring at the Blue Ranger.

TJ looked at him strangely, "What do you mean?"

"You're fighting like a maniac," Carlos said bluntly, "You're letting your anger do the fighting and I think I know why." He paused for a moment. "Andros and Cassie."

"I don't know what you're talking about," TJ said, looking uncomfortable.

"I saw what happened in the battle against Rotinbot Teej," Carlos said quietly, "You can't deny that you hesitated to help Andros when you had the opportunity. Then after Cassie helped to make sure that Andros was okay, you were all over Rotinbot. Don't tell me that you weren't fighting with your emotions then."

The Blue Ranger was quiet for a moment before he spoke. "Alright, so I'm jealous of Andros," he admitted, "So what?"

"So what?!?" Carlos looked at him in amazement, "If you're not thinking while fighting, you could get yourself killed! Teej, you're not behaving like a Ranger, and sooner or later its going to end up hurting the team."

"Are you telling me to just forget about how I feel then?" demanded TJ

"No," Carlos shook his head, "But you've got to keep a better head about all of this."

"Well, what about you and Ashley?" TJ pointed a finger at the Black Ranger, "You can't tell me that what's happening with Ash isn't affecting you! You cannot possibly like seeing her with the Red Ranger."

"Of course, I don't," replied Carlos, trying to keep his temper, "But it's not what you think. Ash is my best friend, always has been and always will be. Nothing more. I see her in a dangerous situation and of course I'm not going to like it. But I haven't let that turn me into some hot-headed Ranger!"

"If Ash is only a friend to you, then you can't possibly understand what I'm going through," TJ said bitterly, "Nor how I feel."

"How do you feel?" asked Carlos.

"I'm in love with her," TJ said softly. He sighed, "I've loved Cassie from the moment that I met her. I always thought that one day, you know, that I'd be able to tell her how I feel. Of course, then he came back into her life."

Carlos didn't know what to say, having never realized just how deep TJ's feelings were for the Pink Astro Ranger. What he couldn't tell his friend though was that he really did understand those feelings, having found his own love a long time ago. But that had been then, and he had to deal with the present. TJ's behavior was becoming self-destructive and if he didn't find a way to deal with it soon, it could destroy the entire team.

* * *

Ecliptor was worried. As he watched Astronema looking out a window, he knew that something was wrong with his Princess. Actually, he had noticed that there had been something different with her beginning a couple of weeks ago, about the time that Cyndra had come aboard. He knew that Dark Specter's granddaughter had already begun some sort of campaign to take over the Dark Fortress. Unfortunately, Astronema had hardly paid any attention to it, allowing Cyndra to continue without any opposition.

This was what had Ecliptor so concerned. After the hatred that Astronema had shown towards Cyndra, it was hard for the crystalline warrior to believe that his Princess would allow such subterfuge to carry on. Cyndra was willing to do anything and everything to get what she wanted. His eyes glowed briefly at the memory of the night before, when Cyndra had tried propositioning him into working against Astronema. He had flatly refused, but the memory still rankled in his mind.

Astronema suddenly turned away from the window to look at him, her face showing some sort of confusion. "Ecliptor, how did I come to you?"

"What do you mean Princess?" he asked, walking towards her.

"I mean, how is it that I came to be in your charge?" she clarified laying the Wrath Staff to one side. "Lately...." she faltered a moment, "Lately, I have been wondering about who I am. Rather, who I was, before I came to you. I know that when I was first with you, I had no memory of who I was, like a blank slate." She tilted her head up at him, "I thought perhaps you would be able to help me."

Astronema suddenly looked hesitant, almost shy. It was then that Ecliptor saw not the vaunted Princess of Evil, but the scared little girl that had been left upon his doorstep fourteen years ago. Despite the fact that he had been trained as a warrior, Ecliptor found himself sitting down beside the young woman, putting a protective arm around her shoulders. She rewarded him with a grateful smile.

"I will try to tell you what I can Princess," he said softly. "I myself am not entirely sure how you came into my possession, other than the fact that you were left at my doorstep. There was no note with you, nothing to identify who you were or where you had come from. The only thing you did have on you, was that silver locket." Astronema looked down at the piece of jewelry; it was something that she was never without. Ecliptor continued, "You came with me when I met with Dark Specter. He took an interest in you and left me with training you. The rest, you know."

Astronema nodded, "But I know nothing before that time. You were the one who called me 'Astronema' and it is the only name I have ever known. Sometimes though, I get this feeling that I has another name, another life." She looked down at the floor, "I keep hearing this name in my head: Karone."

"Karone?" asked Ecliptor, curious as to what the name could mean.

"Yes, Karone," said a new voice, one full of hatred. Astronema and Ecliptor looked to see Cyndra smiling from the doorway. In her hands she held a shining recording disc. Her sapphire eyes glared at Astronema, "Little Karone from the planet KO-35." She pointed at Astronema, "You."

Astronema stood up, grabbing her staff, "What the hell are you talking about Cyndra?!?"

Cyndra flipped the disc into the air, pointing a beam of light from her finger at it. Suddenly, pictures began forming in the air, obviously from the disc itself. Astronema blinked, immediately recognizing the pictures from her dreams. "No, it can't be!!" She barely realized that she had spoken out loud.

"Oh, but it is Karone," Cyndra sneered, "That is you, as a child of KO-35, on the day that you were taken away." The mage walked over to the Princess of Evil, slapping her in the face. "Did you really think that you, a stupid little nobody from a dead planet could take my place here?!? You have no right to be here and certainly no right to be a warrior in Dark Specter's empire! You haven't even a drop of evil in your blood!!"

Astronema reeled back from the blow into Ecliptor's arms, but instead of the comforting arms she had been expecting, the warrior tightened his grip upon her, keeping her trapped. She looked up into Ecliptor's now lifeless eyes. "Ecliptor?!?" She turned to face Cyndra, "What have you done with him?!?"

"He wouldn't agree to join me willingly, so I did something to convince him," Cyndra smiled as she snapped her fingers. "It's the same thing I've done with all of your servants." The Red and Yellow Rangers, along with a contingent of Quantrons came into the room.

Astronema could immediately see who they belonged to. "You've stolen them all," she said softly, her eyes blazing hatred at Dark Specter's granddaughter. "You planning to do a little convincing on me too?"

"I thought about it," admitted Cyndra, tapping a finger to her chin, "But I decided not to. The thought of having you on board everyday is enough to make me sick. Having to look at your face would be even worse. Oh, don't think I'm going to kill you though. I've decided to let others do that for me."

"What do you mean?" demanded Astronema as she struggled in Ecliptor's arms.

"Simple. I'm sending you to Angel Grove." With those words, Cyndra snapped her fingers and Astronema vanished away in a blaze of purple light.

* * *

Leathery claws typed up commands on the computer panel. The entire room was barely lit, but that didn't matter to a creature who could see in the dark. Darkonda's eyes were focused on the screen before him, trying to pick out the one signal he was looking for. So far, his searches had come to nothing, although it hadn't been from lack of trying. He knew that his son had landed on Earth. He only had to continue his search before he would finally find him.

A loud beep sounded loudly above the clicking computer keys, the only warning he had before Cyndra's face appeared on his communication screen. Her sapphire eyes bore down upon the monster, looking annoyed and pleased at the same time. She held up a disc; Darkonda recognized it as the one he had sold to her. "I must say Darkonda, I was very pleased with the results of this. As of this moment, I have become commander of the Dark Fortress."

"Thank you and congratulations," the monster replied cautiously, knowing that wasn't the reason why Cyndra had called.

"But what I do want to know," she continued, "Is what are you still doing here? Your payment must have been received into your account by now."

He heard the warning in her voice and thought quickly. He would hate himself for what he was about to do. Pushing a button on his computer panel, he brought out a set of five computer cards. "I had something else to sell to you." He held up the cards, allowing Cyndra to inspect them for herself.

Her raised an eyebrow in interest, "Are those what I think they are?"

"Yes," he confirmed, waving the cards, "The Psycho Cards. Input them into a replicator and the proper morphers will be created." He smirked, although he was cringing inside, "I think that you can think of a proper use for them."

She smiled, her eyes gleaming, "Yes indeed."

"I think I'll stick around for the show then," he said, now having given himself the excuse needed to stay in Earth's orbit. He spoke again, his voice now slightly shaky, "I'll send the cards over once I've received payment."

Cyndra nodded, "Very well." With those words, the screen went to black.

Darkonda sighed, shaking his head as he lay down the cards. "It had to be done," he murmured, "There was no other way." He closed his eyes, knowing that there had been no true justification for what he had just done. He knew what destruction would come once he released those cards in Cyndra's hands. "Solrac my son, I hope you can forgive me."

* * *

Four months. It had been only four months ago that she had been alone, out looking for revenge against Dark Specter. It was hard to believe that only such a short amount of time had pass. There had been so many changes in Marie's life, that sometimes, it was hard to believe that they had all come to pass. As she watched Andros sitting across from her, the Gold Ranger knew herself to have been very lucky these past few months.

Before, she had believed her entire world to be dead and herself to be the last surviving Kerovian Ranger. She had been in the middle of a suicide mission, all to avenge herself with Dark Specter's life. Now, the Astro Rangers were a full team once more. It was a team that she trusted as much as the old. Marie smiled at that thought. Andros, the former Red Astro Ranger was now back in her life as the Ruby Ranger and had been accepted as part of the new team.

Her smiled deepened as her thoughts led to a certain member of the new team: Billy. Marie would thank whatever gods had led her to meet with the handsome and intelligent human from Earth. He was a constant in her life now and she couldn't imagine herself without him anymore. Honestly, she couldn't imagine her life without any of her new friends anymore.

"Watch out!" exclaimed Andros, suddenly breaking into her thoughts. He watched in dismay as the telekenesis ball fell unceremoniously between them. The two Kerovians had been practicing with the ball in his quarters. Not only had it given them the chance to increase their telekenetic skills, but they were able to have some private time to talk as well.

Marie caught the ball as it bounced on the floor. She looked sheepishly at Andros, "Sorry, my mind wandered."

"I can see that," he chuckled, "Should I put this on a lighter setting maybe?"

She shook her head, "No, that's alright. I've got to keep in practice after all. I won't let my mind wander again."

He nodded, watching as she set the ball into the air with her mind. The ball was launched towards him and he deftly caught it, sending it with a twirl back to Marie. "So, what were you thinking about?" He tilted his head, looking at her with a knowing eye. "As if I need to ask. Blond hair, blue eyes......"

"It wasn't about Billy!" she protested hotly, although her cheeks were becoming red. He raised an eyebrow, "Okay, so a bit of was about him! I was mostly thinking about how so many things had changed in my life these past four months. I mean, a lot of things have happened."

Andros smiled in understanding, "Changes for the better."

"Not all for the better," she reminded him gently, "There's still the Red Ranger and Ashley."

"That's true," he agreed, "It seems that evil Rangers never go out of style."

"Who do you think he is?" she asked.

Andros sighed, "I wish I knew. But I lost consciousness after during the last battle on Kerova. I hadn't even realized that I had lost my morpher until the Mynarin Healers told me. I do remember feeling something though, those first few days on Ithta. Almost as if my body was being torn apart. The Healers realized what was happening, that somehow the connection between me and my morpher was being warped. Afterwards, they were able to sever my connection with it. But I wasn't able to tell just who was using the powers."

"Can you tell now?" asked Marie. The ball had now been long forgotten, laying on her lap.

"No," Andros shook his head with regret, "I can't."

"Well, at least you do have powers though," she smiled.

Andros looked down at the gold ring on his finger, his morpher. It was a simple band with no particular design, only a small ruby set in the center. The small jewel gave no indication as to the power that was held within it. On impulse, he pulled out a silver ring from his waist pouch. It was of the same design except that there was an amethyst stone in place of the ruby.

Marie looked curiously at it. "What's that?"

"The Amethyst morpher. On Ithta, prospective Rangers have to go through a Gem Ceremony to see which gem they will carry. It's similar to how the Ninjetti are chosen on Phaedos. During my ceremony, I was given the Ruby and the Amethyst gems. I knew immediately that the Ruby was mine." Andros paused, this time to take off the locket that hung around his neck. Quietly, he opened it, revealing two pictures: a boy and a girl. "It's been fourteen years Marie." He held up the silver ring, "This is what gives me hope that I'll find her one day."

"You think that's for her?" she asked.

"I know it is," he whispered, "It has to be."

* * *

Astronema found herself standing in the middle of Angel Grove park, thankfully in a secluded area so that she was alone. The last thing she needed was for anyone to see her on Earth. Acting upon instinct, she immediately transformed her costume to one more suitable for a human on Earth. Letting her magic do the work, her wild pink hair became short and blonde. The heavy makeup she usually sported was minimized to highlight her features. Her clothing now consisted of a purple silk tank top, black leather pants and black boots.

With that accomplished, Astronema finally allowed her mind to absorb all that had happened in the past few moments. Her life had gone completely upside down! She was no longer in command of the Dark Fortress, all her former servants had been turned against her and Cyndra now had complete control. Dark Specter's granddaughter had planned well and Astronema knew it. Now that she was on the outside, she knew that she had to do something.

Her mind was also trying to sort through what Cyndra had said earlier about her heritage. Much of what the mage had said echoed the dreams that she had been having. Astronema knew not what to make of it, as she remembered very little of her own childhood. As always, she only remembered becoming Ecliptor's trainee at Dark Specter's command. She never remembered any other life.

Astronema is the Princess of Evil, with royal blood flowing through her veins. That's all that I've ever known. But, could have I been someone else, someone that I just don't remember? Astronema remembered her dream image, stabbing her with the Wrath Staff because...... Because I don't want to remember? Or is it, that I can't remember? Suddenly, her fingers went to the silver locket that hung around her neck. Without realizing what she was doing, she opened it, looking at the two pictures inside.

A boy and a girl.

A brother and a sister.

Her brother.

A name appeared in her mind: Andros.

Andros? Why was that name so damned familiar? Andros and Karone, two names that continually floated around in her consciousness. If Karone was her, then was this Andros her brother? If so, where was he now?

There were too many questions for Astronema to sort out. Doubt lingered on every thought, every memory, every single thing she believed she ever knew. She only knew one thing for certain, that Cyndra had taken away what she had thought was her home and her only true friend: Ecliptor. Even if she could never again recover her identity, she could at least, recover him.

"Somehow, someway, I promise to get you back Ecliptor," she whispered, "I promise." With those words, Astronema vanished beneath the shadows of the trees.

* * *

"Yes, finally, food!" Rocky grinned at the sight of all the food being laid out on the picnic blanket.

Kat laughed, "Nice to know that some things really never do change!"

"How is it that you've managed to actually keep the refrigerator full is beyond me," agreed Adam, slapping his friend on the back.

Billy smiled, enjoying the easy bantering. He hadn't realized how much he missed his old friends until now. The reunion wasn't so much of a party as it was just a simple gathering. While the main reason for the reunion was to celebrate Billy's return to Earth, it was also a chance to do some catching up. The former Rangers had decided on a picnic in a relatively quiet part of Angel Grove park. Here, they would be able to talk about everything without worrying about eavesdroppers.

The Silver Ranger looked around at the three others who had managed to attend; Jason, Trini and Aisha were nearby playing a game of frisbee. Only four people hadn't been able to come. Zack was away in Europe, participating in a study tour. Kimberly was continuing her gymnastics training in Florida and attending university there. Tanya was in Africa, visiting her old village for a few weeks before returning to her radio job in Boston.

"Hey Kat," said Billy, looking at the tall Australian who was visiting for the week, "Have you heard from Tommy lately?"

Katherine blinked, momentarily coloring in her cheeks. "Well actually, I haven't heard from him in a few months actually. Last I heard, he was up in Canada, racing on the Indy tracks in Vancouver and Toronto."

"You mean you don't know?" asked Trini, as she, Jason and Aisha walked up from their game.

The former Pink Ranger shook her head, "Tommy and I haven't been keeping steady communications for months now." She bit her lip, "Actually, we've recently decided to start seeing other people." This bit of news was met with gasps by everyone. "It was a mutual decision."

The look in Katherine's eyes told Billy another story though. He could see that Kat had been hurt by the breakup, more than she was willing to admit at the moment. By the way the others were looking at each other, he could tell that they saw it too. They all knew that what Kat needed now was time to sort herself out. And time was what they were going to give her.

"Don't worry about it," smiled Aisha, settling herself beside Kat, "There's always plenty of other guys out there!" The former Yellow Ranger chuckled, "Not that I would actually look for other guys, but, well, you get the idea."

The others chuckled, knowing full well what Aisha meant. It had been a couple of months ago that she had announced where her romantic preferences lay. In had been a shock at first to find out that Aisha was a lesbian, but all the Rangers had eventually accepted it. It wasn't as if she flaunted it; everyone still saw her as the same Aisha they all knew and love.

The sad mood broken, other bits of news and gossip soon trickled in. While much of it was old news for the others, some of it still new to Billy. Trini and Jason were living together now in an apartment near Angel Grove University, where they were studying. They still hadn't planned out a date for their wedding yet, but they thought that sometime within the next year would be best. Rocky was teaching at a local dojo, with an eye on becoming a partner within a few years, once he got his business degree. Adam was continuing in stunt work, something that he found he really enjoyed. Along with that, he was also taking night classes at a local college.

The biggest news of all was from Billy himself. Zordon's kidnaping shocked everyone, although instinctively, they had all felt something wrong even before they heard this. It was hoped by all that their mentor would soon be found alive and well.

"Rangers from all over the galaxy are watching out for him," Billy informed them, "But the AoE is keeping him well hidden. All we can do is keep trying."

"I'm sure he'll come back to us," replied Jason, trying to keep his voice light. Trini hugged him closer and he hugged tightly back, both needing the reassurance of each other's presence.

"I propose a toast," said Rocky, his voice slightly shaking. He held his plastic cup up high, "To Zordon, our mentor and friend. May he know freedom once again."

Tears blurring their eyes, the other Rangers held up their glasses. Their voices rang as one, "To Zordon, and his freedom."

* * *

A trembling finger traced the metal edge of the picture frame. Dark eyes looked sadly upon the photograph, taken a year ago. T.J. sighed as took hold of the frame, sitting down upon his bed. The picture was one of him and Cassie, a few weeks after they been chosen to become the Turbo Rangers. Cassie had had both arms around his waist, her hair flying in the wind, looking wild and free. They had both looked so, happy together.

Of course, that was before the Phantom Ranger showed up in our lives.

It hadn't taken the then Red Ranger long to realize that Cassie had been infatuated with the mysterious Ranger. She had even confessed to him that she had felt some sort of connection between herself and Phantom. It had broken his heart to hear her say that, but as always, he had kept his feelings hidden behind a mask of simple friendship.

After the Phantom Ranger left, he had felt some sort of hope that he would finally have a chance with Cassie. But it never happened. There was always something, or someone in his way. TJ's unspoken love for the Pink Astro Ranger was a case of could've, should've, but didn't. Now, it was too late. Andros was back in Cassie's life. TJ clenched his fist, pounding it into the mattress.

"Dammit," he muttered, "Why couldn't it have been me?" Tears began to well up in his eyes. "Why couldn't it have been me?!?" The hot liquid ran down his cheeks, splashing onto the picture frame he still held in his hand. "Why?!?" With those words, he threw the silver frame across the room, hearing it crash against the wall before dropping to the floor.

TJ's eyes glowed red as he began throwing around everything in sight. His voice grew louder as he continued to shout, "She should have been mine!!" A lamp was thrown, plunging the room into semi-darkness, "Mine!!" He overturned his chair, "He never should have gotten her!" His fists pounded against the wall, "Why couldn't it have been me?"

As his rampage continued, he never noticed as DECA sounded the alarms nor as his door opened, pouring light into the dark room. Gasps of surprise sounded, turning into worried voices. All the Blue Ranger saw was Andros standing at the doorway. His thoughts only focused on his rival, TJ launched himself at the Ruby Ranger with all the fury he contained. It wasn't until strong arms began to restrain him that he finally regained his senses. Blinking, he looked to see Carlos and Alpha holding his arms, locking them behind his back. With Andros and Marie behind them, they forced him towards the medical bay.

"DECA, what's wrong with him?" asked Marie.

"Unknown," answered the ship computer, "Preliminary scans show nothing unusual physiologically."

"Great, just what we need, some unknown virus running around the ship!" growled Carlos, "Alpha, make sure to do a full medical scan on him. Check for alien viruses, and the like."

"Make sure to check for spells or anything else magical in nature," added Andros.

"Right!" answered the robot as they continued to drag the unwilling Blue Ranger down the hallways.

The group found Cassie already in the medical bay. Andros quickly explained the situation while Carlos and Alpha restrained TJ to one of the beds. The Blue Ranger was still struggling despite his bonds, now even more so as he watched Andros and Cassie together. His eyes were no longer glowing red, so no one knew what to make of his condition. Carlos, recalling his earlier conversation with TJ, noticed how agitated the Blue Ranger seemed at seeing Andros and Cassie together.

"Cassie, step away from Andros!" the Black Ranger exclaimed. Startled, Cassie did as he asked. As she put some distance between herself and the Ruby Ranger, TJ began to quiet down.

Marie immediately noticed the reaction. She looked over at Carlos, "What's going on?"

Carlos sighed, at a complete loss for what to say. Even in TJ's current condition, he didn't know if he should be betraying the Blue Ranger's trust. Also, this didn't just concern TJ, but Andros and Cassie as well. Hell, it practically concerned the whole team! He shook his head, wondering just how this crisis could be solved.

Suddenly, everything was taken out of Carlos' hands.

"I love you Cassie." The room was quiet as everyone looked at TJ who had closed his eyes smiling.

The Pink Ranger looked at Carlos. "Did..... did he mean that?" Numbly, Carlos nodded. Without another word, Cassie ran out of the room, with Andros following close behind.

* * *

"Cassie!" The Pink Ranger turned around at the sound of her name to find Andros behind her. He stopped beside her. "Cassie, where are you going?"

"Just to be myself," she answered, "Please Andros, I need to be alone." She looked at him with pleading eyes.

He sighed, pulled her close and kissed her on the forehead. "Just, be careful, okay?"

She nodded, "I will." She knew that he wouldn't follow her. From the Astro Megaship, Cassie teleported herself to a section of Angel Grove beach. It was quiet this time of day so she was alone. For that, she was grateful. Cassie didn't think that she would be able to talk to anyone about this.

TJ loved her. Three such simple words that changed her entire perspective of the Blue Ranger. Sitting on a log bench, Cassie took her eyes away form the sight of the ocean. Cradling her head in her hands, she wondered how she could have been so blind. How could she not have seen how much TJ cared for her? Memories of the Blue Ranger flooded Cassie's mind. In hindsight, she could now see all the little hints he had shown.

"Oh TJ," she murmured, "Why did it have to be me? Why couldn't you have fallen for someone else?" She knew the answer to that though. No one could control their own hearts. No one could choose who they would fall in love with. It was impossible.

She loved Andros. Cassie knew this to be a fact with all of her heart. Now, that knowledge was bittersweet. The last thing she had ever wanted to do was to break someone's heart, especially TJ's. Cassie had always considered him to be her best friend, being the first friend she made when arriving in Angel Grove. She loved him like a brother, having always looked to him for advice and support.

She vividly remembered asking him so much about the Phantom Ranger. God, that must have been so hard for him! I can't believe that he just listened to me ramble on and on about Andros! He had loved her enough then that all he wanted was for her to be happy.

But then, what about his behavior now? If he had managed to stand beside her before while she was talking about Andros, then why did he seem so unstable now? Was it because he now had to face the reality of her and Andros together? Had the knowledge of him losing her just been too much to bear? She wish she knew.

* * *

Cyndra was pleased. Well, she had every right to be, didn't she? Astronema was finally out of the Dark Fortress, exposed as the weakling that she was. The information that Darkonda had supplied had been most surprising and very useful. Cyndra hadn't really thought she'd managed to eliminate her rival so quickly and easily.

Dark Specter had been pleased with her recent report, even congratulating her for getting rid of Astronema. But now wasn't the time for celebrations, as her grandfather had reminded her. The job of destroying the Rangers was now her responsibility. While she may have the upper hand at the moment, she couldn't allow herself to become overconfident and underestimating the Rangers as many of her predecessors had.

But one thing my predecessors didn't have was their own team of Rangers! Cyndra smirked, looking at the case that held the five precious Psycho Cards, so kindly supplied by Darkonda. As he had said, she knew exactly what to do with them. By the time she was finished, the Rangers would rue the day they ever heard the name Cyndra.

* * *

Second Author's Notes: This is just to clarify a few things: TJ's love for Cassie is real and not spell induced. The only thing that Cyndra did to him was to increase his jealousy towards Andros. Oh, by the next fic, the Red Ranger's identity will be revealed, along with a few other things. Thanks as always go to Cynthia for beta-reading and Greeneyes for her ever continuous input. ^_^